Oklahoma State appeared to be on the wrong end of a boulder rolling downhill and picking up speed.
Until it wasn’t.
The 23rd-ranked Cowboys overpowered Houston 43-30 Saturday night on the road behind a huge second half to remain firmly in the Big 12 title game picture.
OSU (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) has won six of its last seven games.
Let’s get to the grades from the huge win:
Oklahoma State football vs Houston: Takeaways as Ollie Gordon, Cowboys stay in Big 12 race
Resilient Cowboys find a way to play from behind
Grade: A+
These Cowboys have struggled to play from behind this season. Just look at losses to South Alabama and UCF.
But they fell behind 14-3 and 23-9 in the first half. Perhaps that could have meant danger any other week.
Instead, the Cowboys responded with 27 straight points, scoring on four straight drives. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Houston extended a drive, allowing OSU to gain momentum.
In the third quarter alone, OSU out-gained Houston 180-25. The Cowboys’ defense forced three punts.
Resiliency is the perfect word to describe the response — and the season — for the Cowboys.
More: Oklahoma State wins NCAA men’s cross country championship, ending Northern Arizona’s reign
Oklahoma State’s Jaden Bray (5) celebrates with Josiah Johnson (16) after a touchdown catch against Houston during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Bryan Nardo wins battle against Dana Holgorsen
Grade: C
A week ago, first-year defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo never adjusted to Gus Malzahn’s offense.
Against another dynamic offensive mind in Houston coach Dana Holgorsen, Nardo responded better.
Things still got off to a rocky start.
Houston jumped to a 14-3 start in the first quarter. The Cougars led by 23-9 in the second quarter.
Big plays were an issue. So…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-state-football-grades-vs-031818674.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2023-11-19 03:18:18
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